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Chapter 26
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An Understated Dominance Chapter 27
“He is my father.” Dustin was shocked. He didn't expect the two of them to be related. “I heard Trevor has a son called Edward. Who are you then?”“My name is Mason. I'm Trevor's illegitimate son.” The man bowed his head as he explained, “Trevor forced himself on my mother and got her pregnant. In order to save his image, he kept my existence in the dark and made me his foster son instead.” “So, you hate him?” Dustin asked. “Yes!” Mason gritted his teeth and seethed angrily, “He abandoned my mother and me, leaving us impoverished all those years ago. Now, he's only using me as a pawn to assist Edward. I can't let them trample over me again. I must get back what's mine!”“Good.” Dustin nodded in approval. “Since you're ambitious, I will help you. If you do as I say, I will not only help you climb the ladder but also help you rule over Swinton.”“Thank you!” Delighted, Mason immediately knelt on the ground to show his gratitude. As wise as Mason was, he could tell that Dustin w
An Understated Dominance Chapter 28
She was the type to make men fall in love with her at first sight. Thus, she was shocked to learn that Dustin had forgotten about her after just one night. Was her presence so insignificant?“Um… you do look familiar. I think I've seen you somewhere.” Dustin tried to dig through his memories.“Yesterday, at the hospital. You treated my grandfather. Do you remember now?” The girl uttered through gritted teeth.“Oh! You're Natasha's sister, Roth. Am I right?”“Who the hell are you calling Roth? My name is Ruth! Ruth Harmon!” Ruth nearly exploded out of exasperation. She wanted to step on the gas pedal and run Dustin over with her car. All this time, she'd never been treated this way. How insulting!“I'm sorry. Ms. Ruth, are you looking for me for some reason?” Dustin quickly changed the topic.“Of course! Why would I be here otherwise?” Ruth rolled her eyes and ordered, “Hurry up and get in the car. Natasha has fallen sick and is demanding to see you.”“Hmm? What happened to her?”
An Understated Dominance Chapter 29
“Sorry, I didn't mean to.” Dustin instantly came to his senses and rushed to push Natasha away. His face was etched with awkwardness. Everything happened so quickly that he hadn't had time to think.“It's okay. It was my fault. The drug might have been too strong, as I really couldn't control myself,” Natasha replied coyly. While speaking, she cast a glare at Ruth, silently cursing her sister for ruining the rare opportunity for her to get a man. “Ruth could've just left. Why did she have to scream? I'm cutting her allowance this month!” thought Natasha.“Ruth, help your sister to lie on the bed,” instructed Dustin.“Hmph! Of course, I will. Did you think you could take advantage of her again?” With a roll of her eyes, Ruth went to hold the grumpy Natasha and walked her to the bed.“Ms. Harmon, please remove your shirt and lie on your front,” Dustin added.“What? You pervert, what are you trying to do!” Ruth's anger immediately flared. “Don't get me wrong. I have to use a need
An Understated Dominance Chapter 30
“Do you have a plan in mind, Mr. Rhys?” Natasha asked.“I need to get a clear understanding of the situation first. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you some questions.” Dustin cleared his throat before continuing, “Where did you go today, and did you meet anyone there?”“I met Edwin today. We talked about work, and he asked about us being in a partnership, but I rejected his offer,” Natasha answered truthfully.“I see. Did you drink anything he offered you?”“Of course not. That man has been eyeing my family business for ages. I’d never let my guard down around him.”“Then it really is strange how you got drugged, sis,” Ruth piped up.“Truly.” Natasha rolled her eyes.“When you two met, did you smell or touch anything in particular?” Dustin then asked.“Now that you mention it…” Something suddenly dawned on Natasha. “When I stepped into the place, I did smell something particular. I didn’t pay much attention because I thought it was just perfume. But then, after a while, I start
An Understated Dominance Chapter 31
Dustin drove over to the Nicholsons’ home at noon. The villa was in a secluded neighborhood, with flowers and hedges decorating the front yard.Dahlia was right outside. Dustin tried to avoid her but was still spotted.“Stop right there! I need to talk to you!”“What is it?” Dustin asked. Their backs were to each other as they spoke.“I haven’t told Granddad about our divorce because of his condition.”“Do you think we can keep him from finding out?”“I’ll find a chance to tell him after, just not today.”“Alright. Anything else?”“Nope.” Dahlia turned and went inside the house without another word.They never once looked at each other, acting like complete strangers.Dustin took a deep breath and went in as well, wine in hand. The living room was filled with people, including most of the Nicholsons.Only John, Dahlia’s father, was absent, still outside on his trip.Yet someone was sitting in his usual seat this time, an outsider too—Chris Nolan.“How rude to have us elder
An Understated Dominance Chapter 32
The wines were quickly unboxed for everyone’s viewing pleasure.“Tch, and here I thought they were decent quality. Looks like these are just craft brews, worth no more than two thousand dollars, I bet.” James had a look of disdain on his face. “How could these compare to Grand Crus?”“Craft brews have long lost their value on the market. We don’t even give our servants these!” someone exclaimed.Craft brews weren’t actually that terrible in terms of quality, but they were nothing compared to Grand Crus.“What a cheapskate!” Florence scoffed.“How are craft brews cheap when they’ve been on the rise in the country? Is your taste in fine wine only limited to those brewed overseas?” Dustin casually responded.“How is it not cheap when they cost only a couple thousand? Chris’ wines cost more than 100 thousand dollars.” James rolled his eyes.“Wines don’t have to be expensive to be good. Plus, you don’t know how much exactly my wines cost.”“Are you still trying to make a comeback?”
An Understated Dominance Chapter 33
“You must be kidding, right, Dad? This can’t be aged wine!” James’ eyes were wide as dinner plates.“Look at how yellowish it looks, though. It must be fake!” Florence accused.“You guys must not have seen brews like this before. Aged craft brews get this color, and it only darkens the longer it’s been aging. Every wine connoisseur knows this.”The looks on everyone's faces quickly changed. Their accusations had just been dampened significantly, not by just anyone but by John Nicholson himself, a well-known wine enthusiast. His judgment couldn’t be wrong.“I was blessed to be able to try such a fine wine years ago with a government official, but this brew right here must be finer than the one I had—that body and finish tell me it must’ve been aged for at least 50 years!” John smacked his lips, still enjoying the brew’s aftertaste.“How much would it cost on the market?” James asked curiously.“It’s priceless. You couldn’t find a willing seller even if you offered a city’s worth.
An Understated Dominance Chapter 34
Chris rapped on the table, calling for everyone’s attention.“Everyone, I would like to share some good news with you all. Nolan Pharmaceuticals has been looking to increase its share pool, so we are currently welcoming new investors. Is anyone here interested?”“New investors?” Everyone’s attention was immediately captured.Nolan Pharmaceuticals was an industry-leading corporation with very limited shares available. That was why Chris’ announcement came as a shock to everyone at the table.“Hasn’t the company been doing alright, Mr. Nolan? Why the sudden invitation?” Dahlia asked curiously.“Of course, it has been. We’ve just been planning to list our company publicly, that’s why. As everyone knows, our company is not short on talent or the capability to overcome competition. This share listing is just so we have some funds to give our employees a good bonus this season.” Chris smiled. “We haven’t officially announced this to the public yet, and the spots are limited. If anyone
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An Understated Dominance Chapter 2492
"Hold on!"Seeing that he was about to be taken away, Langdon panicked and shouted, "You have no right to arrest me without a thorough investigation or a judge's ruling! This is outright brutality! You're abusing your power!"Austin scoffed. "When I tried to play fair, you pulled every dirty trick in the book. But now that I'm playing rough, you suddenly want to talk about the law? Do you really think that's going to happen?""Mr. Langdon, if you have anything to say, you can tell me in prison. We'll have plenty of time to chat." Axel strode forward with a wicked grin, clamping a firm hand on Langdon's shoulder."Wait! I still have something to say." Langdon swallowed hard. Realizing he had no way out, he finally dropped the tough act and tried a softer approach. "Austin, we're family. Do we really have to take it this far? Look, I screwed up. But can't you cut me some slack, just this once?"In the past, his silver tongue had helped him turn situations around and distort the tr
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2491
"Ledger?"Langdon's pupils contracted as he stared at the familiar red ledgers at his feet. His expression finally faltered. He had never expected the enforcement team to uncover the ledgers he had hidden in a secret compartment. Every transaction written on those pages was damning—evidence of years of collusion with officials and wealthy merchants, of bribes and embezzlement. He had kept them as leverage to ensure those officials wouldn't abandon him when things went south. But what was meant to shield him had now sealed his fate.His assets could be confiscated, and he could refuse to acknowledge his own children. But how could he possibly talk his way out of a ledger filled with his handwritten records?Langdon's frown deepened as sweat poured down his face. Before he realized it, his back was already drenched."Mr. Langdon, why are you sweating so much? Is it too hot in here? Should I have someone fan you?" Axel taunted with a sneer.The evidence they had gathered was more
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2490
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2489
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2488
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2487
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2486
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2485
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
An Understated Dominance Chapter 2484
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
